Peter Wilkinson resigns as Borough Market chairman

Peter Wilkinson has stepped down as chairman of the Trustees of Borough Market.

Peter Wilkinson, a businessman with interests in the rail industry who divides his time between Vienna and London, has served as chairman of the charity which runs Borough's historic market for the past two years.

The market has had a difficult year. Relations between the management and some traders – which had been uneasy for some time – were further strained after the eviction of eight businesses from the market.

Since the evictions negative stories about the market have appeared in the national and international press.

"Peter's energy, focus and commercial acumen have seen Borough Market through some challenging times," said the trustees in a statement on Thursday.

"Peter has steered the market successfully through an enormously disruptive construction project and ensured the continuation of the market through the recession.

"The trustees would like to take this opportunity to record their thanks and appreciation for the dedication which Peter has shown in the service of the market."

Commenting on his decision, Peter Wilkinson said: "I have been fortunate to have been in the service of Borough Market for five years – as a trustee, vice chair and chairman – and in this time I am proud to have played my part in helping to safely steer the market through challenging economic times and major construction works on the market site.

"Five years is quite a commitment and I feel that, now there is a vision in place for the market which will ensure its future growth and prosperity, I can return my focus to my other charitable involvements and to my business interests."